Ethiopia’s election is expected to extend Abiy Ahmed’s mandate amid security concerns and opposition criticism. Ethiopians are voting in a national election expected to give Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ruling Prosperity Party another strong mandate, with the party widely projected to retain its dominance in parliament, according to an Associated Press report . The election comes as Abiy’s government presents reconciliation and development as central priorities for the next term. Around 50 million people are expected to vote for members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils, though insecurity in areas including Amhara and Oromia could affect turnout. Abiy’s Prosperity Party already controls more than 500 seats in the federal legislature and is expected to secure another majority. Under Ethiopia’s parliamentary system, voters elect representatives, who then vote for the prime minister. The vote is also being watched by the African Union , which has deployed an election observation mission led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. The mission’s presence adds regional attention to a contest taking place in the country that hosts the AU headquarters. Security remains one of the biggest tests for the next mandate. Ethiopia is still dealing with the aftermath of the Tigray war, unrest in Amhara and Oromia, and tensions with Eritrea. Analysts have warned that the election alone is unlikely to resolve the deeper political and security pressures facing the country, especially in regions affected by conflict and exclusion from the vote, as noted in regional analysis by Chatham House. Tigray will not take part in the national election for a second time, leaving the region without federal representation. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front remains outlawed, while the federal government and regional authorities continue to clash over the future of the 2022 peace agreement. Opposition parties have questioned the fairness of the process, saying the ruling party benefits from an uneven political environment. Some candidates say they have faced restrictions on campaigning and meeting voters. For Abiy, the election is not only about retaining office. It is also a bid to renew political authority at a time when Ethiopia faces pressure to rebuild trust, manage unresolved conflicts, and deliver on development promises. Continue Reading Full Article ELECTIONS MONITORING Abiy’s Party Seeks New Mandate in Ethiopia Vote By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 31, 2026 May 31, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ethiopians are voting in a national election expected to give Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ruling Prosperity Party another strong mandate, with the party widely projected to retain its dominance in parliament, according to an Associated Press report . The election comes as Abiy’s government presents reconciliation and development as central priorities for the next term. Around 50 million people are expected to vote for members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and regional councils, though insecurity in areas including Amhara and Oromia could affect turnout. Abiy’s Prosperity Party already controls more than 500 seats in the federal legislature and is expected to secure another majority. Under Ethiopia’s parliamentary system, voters elect representatives, who then vote for the prime minister. ADVERTISEMENT The vote is also being watched by the African Union , which has deployed an election observation mission led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. The mission’s presence adds regional attention to a contest taking place in the country that hosts the AU headquarters. Security remains one of the biggest tests for the next mandate. Ethiopia is still dealing with the aftermath of the Tigray war, unrest in Amhara and Oromia, and tensions with Eritrea. Analysts have warned that the election alone is unlikely to resolve the deeper political and security pressures facing the country, especially in regions affected by conflict and exclusion from the vote, as noted in regional analysis by Chatham House. ADVERTISEMENT Tigray will not take part in the national election for a second time, leaving the region without federal representation. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front remains outlawed, while the federal government and regional authorities continue to clash over the future of the 2022 peace agreement. Opposition parties have questioned the fairness of the process, saying the ruling party benefits from an uneven political environment. Some candidates say they have faced restrictions on campaigning and meeting voters. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT For Abiy, the election is not only about retaining office. It is also a bid to renew political authority at a time when Ethiopia faces pressure to rebuild trust, manage unresolved conflicts, and deliver on development promises. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Tags Africa Africa Ethiopia Ethiopia africa africa Elections & Democracy Elections & Democracy

Ghana’s 50MWp Galgu solar plant is reported in commercial operation. Examine the commissioning timeline, differing cost figures and repayment questions. YENDI, Ghana — 29 October 2026: The 50MWp solar plant at Galgu is reported to be generating commercially, while a fresh Bui Power Authority account has introduced a different cost figure from earlier coverage. Citi Newsroom’s 28 October interview report quotes BPA communications official Mawuli Fui Kwadzovia putting development costs at about US$50 million and describing repayment over an estimated five to seven years. Other published accounts use US$59 million and an eight-year repayment period. The operating milestone and the financing details therefore need to be understood separately. Is Galgu’s solar plant operating? Reporting attributes commercial operation from 29 September 2026 to BPA’s engineering director, following testing and grid connection. That supports an operating milestone rather than a future launch. However, published cost and repayment figures differ, and peak capacity does not establish actual energy delivered or reductions in customer outages. Testing, connection and commercial operation The Custodian’s 27 October report quotes BPA Director of Engineering Peter Acheampong saying technical testing was completed on 11 September and commercial operations began on 29 September 2026. It describes a completed, grid-connected installation with a capacity of 50 megawatts peak. Graphic Online’s 28 October inspection account also reports that the parliamentary committee observed a completed, tested and connected facility. It identifies First Sky Limited as the contractor under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction with Financing arrangement with BPA. These accounts support reporting commercial operation with attribution. They do not make the late-October inspection the date on which electricity first entered the grid. Construction completion, technical testing, connection and commercial acceptance are distinct stages, even when discussed together at a site visit. Why the cost figures need reconciliation Graphic puts the facility’s value at US$59 million. Citi’s later account quotes a BPA official giving approximately US$50 million. The reporting does not explain whether the figures use different scope, financing components, estimate dates or final-account treatment. Continue Reading Full Article ENERGY AND POWER Galgu Solar: Operation, Cost and Repayment Explained By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 29, 2026 Oct 29, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: YENDI, Ghana — 29 October 2026: The 50MWp solar plant at Galgu is reported to be generating commercially, while a fresh Bui Power Authority account has introduced a different cost figure from earlier coverage. Citi Newsroom’s 28 October interview report quotes BPA communications official Mawuli Fui Kwadzovia putting development costs at about US$50 million and describing repayment over an estimated five to seven years. Other published accounts use US$59 million and an eight-year repayment period. The operating milestone and the financing details therefore need to be understood separately. Is Galgu’s solar plant operating? Reporting attributes commercial operation from 29 September 2026 to BPA’s engineering director, following testing and grid connection. That supports an operating milestone rather than a future launch. However, published cost and repayment figures differ, and peak capacity does not establish actual energy delivered or reductions in customer outages. Testing, connection and commercial operation The Custodian’s 27 October report quotes BPA Director of Engineering Peter Acheampong saying technical testing was completed on 11 September and commercial operations began on 29 September 2026. It describes a completed, grid-connected installation with a capacity of 50 megawatts peak. Graphic Online’s 28 October inspection account also reports that the parliamentary committee observed a completed, tested and connected facility. It identifies First Sky Limited as the contractor under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction with Financing arrangement with BPA. These accounts support reporting commercial operation with attribution. They do not make the late-October inspection the date on which electricity first entered the grid. Construction completion, technical testing, connection and commercial acceptance are distinct stages, even when discussed together at a site visit. ADVERTISEMENT Why the cost figures need reconciliation Graphic puts the facility’s value at US$59 million. Citi’s later account quotes a BPA official giving approximately US$50 million. The reporting does not explain whether the figures use different scope, financing components, estimate dates or final-account treatment. It would be premature to label the difference a saving, an overrun or a reporting error. A reconciled statement should specify the construction contract sum, included infrastructure, financing charges and any changes to the approved scope. The same care applies to repayment. Citi reports an estimated five-to-seven-year period linked to electricity-generated revenues. NewsGhana’s earlier account describes an eight-year arrangement, drawing on a BPA explanation during a 2024 visit. Those statements come from different dates and contexts. Neither should be silently substituted for the final contract. A current schedule would need to identify the repayment start, term, financing costs and the party responsible for each obligation. ADVERTISEMENT Contractor financing does not remove the repayment obligation Under the reported EPCF model, First Sky’s role includes mobilising finance as well as delivering the installation. That structure can allow construction to proceed with funding arranged through the contractor, but it does not make the project cost disappear. The important public-finance questions concern how the investment is recovered and under what conditions. A description of contractor-funded construction is different from a grant, and should not be presented as electricity infrastructure supplied without a repayment cost. For customers, the quoted development sum alone cannot determine a bill reduction. Any claim about tariffs would require the relevant power-purchase and regulatory arrangements. This article makes no claim that households have already received cheaper electricity as a result of the plant. The official portfolio page still reflects an earlier stage BPA’s hydro-solar portfolio page continues to describe Yendi as 92% complete, with commissioning tests under way and a first-phase target in the second quarter of 2026. That wording refers to an earlier development stage than the dated October accounts. The older description should not be used to assert that the plant remains unfinished today. Equally, a current project record linking construction, acceptance and operation dates would make the progression easier for the public to follow. The distinction is particularly useful for a development delivered in phases. A percentage-complete statement needs a reference date and defined scope; it cannot establish which generating units are available on another date. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals . Business & Investment Ghana textile policy: from investment targets to factory work . ADVERTISEMENT Measure delivered electricity and local benefit The 50MWp rating describes peak capacity. Assessing the plant’s contribution requires generation over a stated period, availability and any restrictions on delivery to the network. It is not evidence of uninterrupted supply or a measured fall in outages across Yendi. Maintenance, security and the wider transmission system also affect the service customers experience. The parliamentary reporting raises security and maintenance as continuing priorities. Local employment should likewise be recorded through actual operating jobs, rather than assumed from construction-stage activity. XTRAfrica’s Ghana Hilux investment explainer examines how industrial announcements connect to local supply opportunities. Its Uganda SGR financing account addresses a different project’s distinction between financing commitments and releases. For Galgu, the next useful disclosure is a consistent project-cost and repayment statement alongside dated acceptance records and metered generation. That would connect the reported operating milestone to both its financial obligations and the electricity delivered. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs Certificate recognition could widen opportunities, but hiring and Canadian approvals remain separate. . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs President defends road-safety cameras as drivers question fines, signage and road conditions. . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? Operators threatened to park vehicles over TraffiTech-GH; a nationwide stoppage is unconfirmed. . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals How to check a traffic notice, review the evidence and respond within the stated deadline. . Tags Ghana News Ghana News Breaking News Breaking News Ghana Ghana

The 2024 CAF Champions League final brings together two of Africa's most storied football clubs: Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis. Espérance de Tunis, a dominant force in Tunisian football, has a remarkable history in the competition, having reached the final eight times. They have clinched the title in 1994, 1999, 2000, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2019, showcasing their consistency and prowess on the continental stage. Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants, boast an even more impressive record with 16 finals appearances, securing victories in 1982, 1983, 1987, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, making them the most successful club in the history of the competition. The final will be played over two legs, with the first leg taking place at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis, Tunisia, on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The second leg will be hosted at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, May 25, 2024. This format ensures that both teams have the opportunity to play in front of their home fans, adding to the excitement and intensity of the matchup. If the aggregate score is tied after the second leg, the away goals rule will be applied. Should the teams remain level, extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shoot-out if necessary, ensuring a definitive winner is crowned. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis battle for continental supremacy. Both teams have a rich history and a proven track record in the CAF Champions League, making this final a highly anticipated event. The match kicks off at 20:00 UTC+1 (Tunis local time) on May 18, 2024, and promises to deliver high drama and top-quality football. Stay tuned to XtrAfrica for live updates and expert insights as these two African football powerhouses clash in what is sure to be an unforgettable showdown. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 18, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Al Ahly vs. Espérance de Tunis: Clash of African Titans in the 2024 CAF Champions League Final. Credit:sportitrader.com The 2024 CAF Champions League final brings together two of Africa's most storied football clubs: Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis. Espérance de Tunis, a dominant force in Tunisian football, has a remarkable history in the competition, having reached the final eight times. They have clinched the title in 1994, 1999, 2000, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2019, showcasing their consistency and prowess on the continental stage. Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants, boast an even more impressive record with 16 finals appearances, securing victories in 1982, 1983, 1987, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, making them the most successful club in the history of the competition. The final will be played over two legs, with the first leg taking place at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis, Tunisia, on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The second leg will be hosted at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, May 25, 2024. This format ensures that both teams have the opportunity to play in front of their home fans, adding to the excitement and intensity of the matchup. If the aggregate score is tied after the second leg, the away goals rule will be applied. Should the teams remain level, extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shoot-out if necessary, ensuring a definitive winner is crowned. ADVERTISEMENT Fans can expect a thrilling contest as Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis battle for continental supremacy. Both teams have a rich history and a proven track record in the CAF Champions League, making this final a highly anticipated event. The match kicks off at 20:00 UTC+1 (Tunis local time) on May 18, 2024, and promises to deliver high drama and top-quality football. Stay tuned to XtrAfrica for live updates and expert insights as these two African football powerhouses clash in what is sure to be an unforgettable showdown. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Bayern Munich ends its Rwanda sponsorship after fan protests and UN reports on M23 abuses, showing how activism is reshaping football deals. On 8 August 2025, FC Bayern Munich confirmed it had ended its controversial sponsorship deal with Rwanda. The “Visit Rwanda” logo will no longer appear in the Allianz Arena or on Bayern’s training kits. The agreement, worth just over five million euros per year and scheduled to run until 2028, was terminated after months of pressure from fans and human rights groups. In its official statement, Bayern said the partnership would now be redirected towards “new cooperation for youth football” in Rwanda, including the expansion of the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali. The Rwanda deal had faced growing criticism because of Kigali’s alleged military support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to UN reports and NGOs such as Human Rights Watch, M23 has committed widespread atrocities, including massacres, forced displacement, and child recruitment. For many, Rwanda’s image campaign in European football stood in sharp contrast with the bloodshed across its border. The turning point came during a Bundesliga match on 23 February 2025. Bayern ultras, known as Munich Red Pride, unfurled a banner behind the goal that read: Visit Rwanda! Anyone who watches with indifference betrays the values of FC Bayern!” The slogan echoed club president Herbert Hainer’s own words days earlier, when he warned against ignoring the dangers of the far right in Germany. The fans’ message was clear: Bayern could not claim moral leadership at home while partnering with a regime accused of war crimes abroad. Fan protests were amplified by diplomacy. In February, DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner wrote to Bayern, Arsenal, PSG, and Atlético Madrid, condemning the Rwanda deals as “stained with blood.” “Countless lives have been lost. Your sponsor is directly responsible for this misery,” her letter read. The pressure campaign found support abroad. The Human Rights Foundation, a New York–based NGO, lobbied Bayern’s leadership to cut ties. Activists recalled a similar case in 2024, when Bayern fans successfully pushed the club to end its deal with Qatar Airways over human rights concerns. Continue Reading Full Article SPORTS Bayern Munich Ends Rwanda Deal After Fan and NGO Pressure By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 24, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: On 8 August 2025, FC Bayern Munich confirmed it had ended its controversial sponsorship deal with Rwanda. The “Visit Rwanda” logo will no longer appear in the Allianz Arena or on Bayern’s training kits. The agreement, worth just over five million euros per year and scheduled to run until 2028, was terminated after months of pressure from fans and human rights groups. In its official statement, Bayern said the partnership would now be redirected towards “new cooperation for youth football” in Rwanda, including the expansion of the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali. The Rwanda deal had faced growing criticism because of Kigali’s alleged military support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to UN reports and NGOs such as Human Rights Watch, M23 has committed widespread atrocities, including massacres, forced displacement, and child recruitment. For many, Rwanda’s image campaign in European football stood in sharp contrast with the bloodshed across its border. The turning point came during a Bundesliga match on 23 February 2025. Bayern ultras, known as Munich Red Pride, unfurled a banner behind the goal that read: ADVERTISEMENT Visit Rwanda! Anyone who watches with indifference betrays the values of FC Bayern!” The slogan echoed club president Herbert Hainer’s own words days earlier, when he warned against ignoring the dangers of the far right in Germany. The fans’ message was clear: Bayern could not claim moral leadership at home while partnering with a regime accused of war crimes abroad. Fan protests were amplified by diplomacy. In February, DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner wrote to Bayern, Arsenal, PSG, and Atlético Madrid, condemning the Rwanda deals as “stained with blood.” “Countless lives have been lost. Your sponsor is directly responsible for this misery,” her letter read. ADVERTISEMENT The pressure campaign found support abroad. The Human Rights Foundation, a New York–based NGO, lobbied Bayern’s leadership to cut ties. Activists recalled a similar case in 2024, when Bayern fans successfully pushed the club to end its deal with Qatar Airways over human rights concerns. Rwandan authorities denied all accusations, accusing critics of trying to “undermine Rwanda’s international partnerships through disinformation.” Despite Kigali’s objections, Bayern ended the sponsorship but kept a softer relationship with Rwanda, focused on youth football training. The financial details of this new cooperation have not been made public. While Bayern pulled the plug, other clubs- PSG, Arsenal, and Atlético Madrid - continue their “Visit Rwanda” deals. Arsenal fans, grouped under “Gunners for Peace”, have staged protests and joked on social media: “Anything but Rwanda, even Tottenham tourism.” Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . ADVERTISEMENT For now, Rwanda retains visibility across European football, but the Bayern case shows how fan activism and international diplomacy can change the business of sport. The collapse of the Bayern-Rwanda deal proves that sponsorships are no longer untouchable. Supporters, NGOs, and governments can demand accountability from clubs. As one Bayern fan told German TV: “Football is about values. If you ignore war crimes for money, you betray those values.” ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health Lawmakers back four financing bills supporting entrepreneurs, primary education, maternal health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics DR.Congo DR.Congo

Update SARS banking details on eFiling or the MobiApp with OTP. See when a branch visit is needed, refund rules, and scam warnings. You can update your SARS banking details online on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS verifies the account before it accepts the change, and it will only pay tax refunds once your bank details are confirmed. For most individuals, the fastest route is the express option on SARS eFiling : “Update My Personal Income Tax Bank Account”. You confirm the change with a one-time PIN (OTP) sent to your registered email or cellphone. If you need to sign in first, see our SARS eFiling login guide . After the update, you can check your SARS tax refund status . Official portals SARS eFiling – update Personal Income Tax banking details and complete the RAV01 registered-details form Adding or Changing Banking Details – official SARS FAQ and supporting-document rules Maintain personal details on eFiling vs Branch – what you can change online versus at a branch eFiling features – quick banking-details steps and OTP tips SARS MobiApp services guide – update bank details in Profile Management Make an Appointment – book a SARS branch, video or telephonic visit when online update is not enough Continue Reading Full Article TAX AND REVENUE How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Aug 29, 2026 Aug 29, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: You can update your SARS banking details online on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS verifies the account before it accepts the change, and it will only pay tax refunds once your bank details are confirmed. For most individuals, the fastest route is the express option on SARS eFiling : “Update My Personal Income Tax Bank Account”. You confirm the change with a one-time PIN (OTP) sent to your registered email or cellphone. If you need to sign in first, see our SARS eFiling login guide . After the update, you can check your SARS tax refund status . Official portals SARS eFiling – update Personal Income Tax banking details and complete the RAV01 registered-details form Adding or Changing Banking Details – official SARS FAQ and supporting-document rules Maintain personal details on eFiling vs Branch – what you can change online versus at a branch eFiling features – quick banking-details steps and OTP tips SARS MobiApp services guide – update bank details in Profile Management Make an Appointment – book a SARS branch, video or telephonic visit when online update is not enough What you need An active SARS eFiling profile or the SARS MobiApp (Personal Income Tax) Up-to-date security contact details (email and cellphone) so you can receive the OTP Your South African bank name, branch code or branch name, account number, account type, and account-holder name A valid account type: cheque, savings or transmission account in the taxpayer’s name (not a credit card, bond or foreign bank account) Supporting documents only if SARS asks for verification or if you must visit a branch Keep your contact details current before you change the bank account. If both your email and cellphone have changed and you cannot receive an OTP, SARS says you should call the Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 or book a branch appointment. How to update banking details on eFiling Log in at secure.sarsefiling.co.za . On the home tab, use the express option “Update My Personal Income Tax Bank Account” (also linked as Update My Personal Income Tax Account). On the Banking Details Update screen, click “Maintain SARS Registered Details”. Select the bank name, then enter the branch code or branch name, account number, account type and account-holder name. Click “Update Banking Details”. Confirm the change with the OTP sent to your preferred email or SMS contact. You can also change bank details by completing the Registration, Amendments and Verification form (RAV01) under Maintain SARS Registered Details, or by updating the bank-account section when you file an ITR12 return. ADVERTISEMENT How to update banking details on the SARS MobiApp Open the SARS MobiApp (download from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery if needed). Before login, tap Maintain Registered Details, or after login tap Profile Management. Open Banking Details. Select the details to change, enter the new bank information, then tap Add Banking Details or Update as shown on screen. Complete the OTP authentication when prompted. The MobiApp banking update is for Personal Income Tax only. Tax practitioners can update a client’s profile details through portfolio management, but they cannot update a client’s security contact details in the app. When you must go to a SARS branch SARS says you must visit a branch (book an appointment first) for bank-detail changes when: A third-party bank account is involved The taxpayer is a Trust The taxpayer is coded as a Deceased Estate, Liquidation or Insolvency eFiling cannot validate your banking details online Branch visits use biometric verification. Book through Make an Appointment , the SARS MobiApp Branch Booking option, or call 0800 00 7277 and select option 0. Personal Income Tax taxpayers can also SMS Booking followed by their ID, passport or asylum number to 47277. SARS cannot change banking details if you only request it by fax, post or telephone. ADVERTISEMENT Refunds and verification SARS verifies your bank account before accepting changes. Tax refunds are paid only after SARS has confirmed your details. If verification fails or SARS needs proof, you may be asked to upload supporting documents on eFiling (preferred) or through the SARS Online Query System. Customs and Excise banking updates cannot be done on eFiling. Those clients must visit a SARS Customs branch with the DA 185 form and supporting documents. Common problems OTP not arriving – update security contact details first (including the pre-login Update Contact Details option for South African citizens who can pass biometric checks). Online validation fails – book a branch appointment so SARS can verify the account in person. Wrong account type – use a cheque, savings or transmission account in your name, not a credit card, bond or foreign account. Joint account – SARS no longer requires both spouses to attend for verification; one spouse can request the change and submit a certified marriage certificate or life-partnership affidavit when required. Scam warnings Only use official SARS channels: sars.gov.za, sarsefiling.co.za and the official SARS MobiApp. Do not share your eFiling password, OTP or banking details with anyone who contacts you by WhatsApp, SMS or a social-media advert. SARS will not ask you to pay a fee to update banking details or to “release” a refund through a private agent. Type the SARS web address yourself. Avoid sponsored search ads and unsolicited links. FAQs Can I update SARS banking details for free? Yes. Updating registered banking details through official SARS digital channels does not require paying a private facilitator. Use eFiling or the MobiApp. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund . Tax and Revenue How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS . Tax and Revenue How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online . Tax and Revenue SARS Auto Assessment 2026: How to Check and What to Do . ADVERTISEMENT Who is allowed to change banking details? Only the taxpayer, a registered representative, or a registered tax practitioner whose details match the SARS system. Tax practitioners may use the TPPOA form. SARS does not accept the “Authority of Special Power of Attorney by Tax Practitioner” form for banking changes. What if I still need my tax number? See How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online for official recovery channels. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return Use the official SARS checker and 2026 rules to see if you must file an ITR12. . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund Use your ITA34 and Statement of Account to see if SARS owes you, or if you owe SARS. . Tax and Revenue How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS Change your SARS bank account on eFiling or the MobiApp, then confirm with an OTP. . Tax and Revenue How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online Get a new SARS tax number or recover a forgotten one on eFiling, SOQS, USSD, WhatsApp or SMS. . Tags SARS Updates SARS Updates South Africa Gov Services South Africa Gov Services

President Museveni condemns torture and excessive force during elections, urging security forces to maintain peace legally. Development, youth jobs also addressed. KAMPALA — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned security personnel against using excessive force during elections, saying torture and beatings are unnecessary and undermine efforts to maintain peace, according to ChimpReports Uganda . Speaking on Wednesday, Museveni said discipline and patience, rather than brutality, should guide the conduct of security agencies during electoral periods, amid recurring allegations from opposition groups that supporters are subjected to abuse. “Beating people shows a lack of patience. Torture during elections is not necessary, and I will engage the security forces on this,” Museveni said. He stressed that while maintaining law and order remains a national priority, security operations must stay within legal boundaries. “No one will be allowed to disturb Uganda’s peace. Those who attempt to cause disorder will be dealt with according to the law,” he added. Museveni’s remarks come against a backdrop of long-standing accusations by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, which has repeatedly alleged that police and military units use excessive force during election campaigns. The government has previously denied those claims. According to ChimpReports Uganda, the president also dismissed arguments that security agencies struggle to control unrest due to limited manpower, arguing instead that effective organisation is more important than numbers. “I have heard statements suggesting there are few soldiers and many rioters. Peace and order are maintained through organisation, not numbers alone,” he said. Turning to development issues, Museveni said the Greater Mubende sub-region had recorded progress but continued to face challenges linked to leadership decisions and prioritisation. He highlighted limited access to clean water in Kasanda district as a key concern. “Kasanda has only 34% access to safe water. That reflects leadership choices,” Museveni said, while noting improvements in infrastructure such as electricity, roads, telecommunications, schools, and health facilities in areas including Kyankwanzi. Continue Reading Full Article ELECTIONS Museveni Warns Security Forces: No Torture During Elections By Serge Kabongo Sports & Entertainment Serge Kabongo Home Comment Dec 18, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: KAMPALA — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned security personnel against using excessive force during elections, saying torture and beatings are unnecessary and undermine efforts to maintain peace, according to ChimpReports Uganda . Speaking on Wednesday, Museveni said discipline and patience, rather than brutality, should guide the conduct of security agencies during electoral periods, amid recurring allegations from opposition groups that supporters are subjected to abuse. “Beating people shows a lack of patience. Torture during elections is not necessary, and I will engage the security forces on this,” Museveni said. He stressed that while maintaining law and order remains a national priority, security operations must stay within legal boundaries. “No one will be allowed to disturb Uganda’s peace. Those who attempt to cause disorder will be dealt with according to the law,” he added. Museveni’s remarks come against a backdrop of long-standing accusations by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, which has repeatedly alleged that police and military units use excessive force during election campaigns. The government has previously denied those claims. ADVERTISEMENT According to ChimpReports Uganda, the president also dismissed arguments that security agencies struggle to control unrest due to limited manpower, arguing instead that effective organisation is more important than numbers. “I have heard statements suggesting there are few soldiers and many rioters. Peace and order are maintained through organisation, not numbers alone,” he said. Turning to development issues, Museveni said the Greater Mubende sub-region had recorded progress but continued to face challenges linked to leadership decisions and prioritisation. He highlighted limited access to clean water in Kasanda district as a key concern. “Kasanda has only 34% access to safe water. That reflects leadership choices,” Museveni said, while noting improvements in infrastructure such as electricity, roads, telecommunications, schools, and health facilities in areas including Kyankwanzi. On public health, Museveni attributed population growth in parts of the region to improved child survival resulting from government immunisation programmes. ADVERTISEMENT “Mityana now has over 400,000 people. The population increased because children are surviving,” he said. The president also emphasised the need for disciplined management of public funds to accelerate development. “We prioritise and do things step by step. We do not scatter budgets,” Museveni said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to completing the Kakono–Manyi–Mubende–Sekanyonyi–Busujju road project. Addressing employment, Museveni reiterated that the state cannot serve as the primary employer in a country approaching 50 million people. “Government jobs are about 480,000. Real jobs come from wealth, factories, commercial agriculture, services, and ICT,” he said, adding that factories currently employ about 1.3 million Ugandans. On education, Museveni defended the policy of free primary education, blaming school dropouts on the reintroduction of school charges. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? . Industry UDC Breaks Ground on Shs29bn Packaging Plant at Namanve . Energy and Power Kenya Power Maintenance: Areas Affected on 5 November . Healthcare System Uganda Heart Institute Seeks Equipment for Naguru Hospital . Refugees and Migration Uganda's $328m DRDIP II: Refugee District Funds Under Scrutiny . ADVERTISEMENT “When we introduced UPE, charges came back, and that led to dropouts,” he said, encouraging young people across political affiliations to support the policy. He added that those who left school were being absorbed into presidential skilling hubs. Museveni also cautioned against inward-looking economic policies, criticising opposition leaders for failing to prioritise regional markets. “None of the opposition presidential candidates talk about the regional market. That thinking is dangerous,” he said, stressing the importance of regional integration. “Our elders taught us ‘Uhuru na Umoja’, freedom and unity. Being a big fish in small ponds weakens us,” Museveni added. Source: ChimpReports Uganda ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? Muhoozi says he may hand over Uganda's military command but has not announced a resignation date. . Industry UDC Breaks Ground on Shs29bn Packaging Plant at Namanve Pamoja factory targets 1,000+ jobs and Uganda’s $500m packaging import bill . Energy and Power Kenya Power Maintenance: Areas Affected on 5 November Scheduled interruptions cover selected areas in Nairobi, Kisii, Kiambu, Mombasa and Kilifi. . Healthcare System Uganda Heart Institute Seeks Equipment for Naguru Hospital The tender includes installation and staff training, with patient opening still a separate milestone. . Tags Uganda Uganda

Ituri remains the hardest-hit province as DRC's Ebola outbreak reaches 515 cases and 91 deaths across three provinces. The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak continues to expand, with health authorities reporting 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths since the epidemic began. According to a recent report published by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Ituri Province remains the center of the outbreak, while infections have also spread across North Kivu and South Kivu. The latest figures show a case fatality rate of 17.7%, with 283 patients currently hospitalized or in isolation. Health officials have also recorded 12 recoveries since the start of the epidemic, while 27 new confirmed cases were reported within the last 24 hours. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has triggered an intensive response effort across affected regions. Official data indicate that the epidemic now affects 25 of the country's 104 health zones. Ituri accounts for the largest concentration of cases, with 17 affected health zones including Bunia, Komanda, Mambasa, Mongbwalu, Nyankunde, and Rwampara. The province has remained the primary hotspot since the outbreak emerged, placing significant pressure on local health facilities and response teams. Several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu are also reporting active transmission. Katwa remains the most affected area outside Ituri, recording 11 confirmed cases and eight deaths. Other affected zones include Beni, Butembo, Oicha, Kalunguta, Kyondo, Goma, and Miti-Murhesa. The continued spread highlights concerns about containing the virus in densely populated and highly mobile communities. Health authorities say the response faces major challenges, including insecurity in parts of Ituri, difficult access to remote communities, and persistent misinformation that can undermine public health measures. Officials continue to urge residents to report suspected cases quickly, cooperate with health workers, and follow prevention guidelines to help slow transmission. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO Ituri Remains the Epicenter as DRC Ebola Outbreak Reaches 515 Cases By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Jun 8, 2026 Jun 8, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak continues to expand, with health authorities reporting 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths since the epidemic began. According to a recent report published by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Ituri Province remains the center of the outbreak, while infections have also spread across North Kivu and South Kivu. The latest figures show a case fatality rate of 17.7%, with 283 patients currently hospitalized or in isolation. Health officials have also recorded 12 recoveries since the start of the epidemic, while 27 new confirmed cases were reported within the last 24 hours. ADVERTISEMENT The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has triggered an intensive response effort across affected regions. Official data indicate that the epidemic now affects 25 of the country's 104 health zones. Ituri accounts for the largest concentration of cases, with 17 affected health zones including Bunia, Komanda, Mambasa, Mongbwalu, Nyankunde, and Rwampara. ADVERTISEMENT The province has remained the primary hotspot since the outbreak emerged, placing significant pressure on local health facilities and response teams. Several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu are also reporting active transmission. Katwa remains the most affected area outside Ituri, recording 11 confirmed cases and eight deaths. Other affected zones include Beni, Butembo, Oicha, Kalunguta, Kyondo, Goma, and Miti-Murhesa. The continued spread highlights concerns about containing the virus in densely populated and highly mobile communities. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . ADVERTISEMENT Health authorities say the response faces major challenges, including insecurity in parts of Ituri, difficult access to remote communities, and persistent misinformation that can undermine public health measures. Officials continue to urge residents to report suspected cases quickly, cooperate with health workers, and follow prevention guidelines to help slow transmission. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health Lawmakers back four financing bills supporting entrepreneurs, primary education, maternal health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo News DR Congo News DRC Politics DRC Politics

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has earned a nomination for the prestigious UEFA Champions League Goal of the Week following his standout performance on Wednesday night. In a thrilling encounter at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Napoli faced off against Barcelona, resulting in a 1-1 draw where Osimhen showcased his scoring prowess. Securing an equalizer just 15 minutes from the final whistle, Osimhen's goal balanced the scales after Robert Lewandowski's initial strike. The decisive moment unfolded when Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa delivered a precise through ball, guiding Osimhen strategically inside the penalty box. Demonstrating both skill and strength, the Nigerian forward executed a remarkable spin to evade Inigo Martinez's defense, culminating in a clinical finish from 14 yards out. This particular goal marked Osimhen's debut in this season's UEFA Champions League, making the nomination even more significant. Competing for the Goal of the Week accolade alongside accomplished players such as Donyell Malen of PSV Eindhoven, Gelano of Porto, and the aforementioned Lewandowski, Osimhen's performance has undeniably left a lasting impression in the footballing arena. As the anticipation builds, football enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the winner, recognizing the extraordinary feats achieved on the grand stage of the UEFA Champions League [ UEFA ] Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 22, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Eye of the Storm: Nigerian Icon Shows No Fear Against Barcelona © photograph by Daily Post Nigeria Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has earned a nomination for the prestigious UEFA Champions League Goal of the Week following his standout performance on Wednesday night. In a thrilling encounter at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Napoli faced off against Barcelona, resulting in a 1-1 draw where Osimhen showcased his scoring prowess. Securing an equalizer just 15 minutes from the final whistle, Osimhen's goal balanced the scales after Robert Lewandowski's initial strike. The decisive moment unfolded when Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa delivered a precise through ball, guiding Osimhen strategically inside the penalty box. Demonstrating both skill and strength, the Nigerian forward executed a remarkable spin to evade Inigo Martinez's defense, culminating in a clinical finish from 14 yards out. ADVERTISEMENT This particular goal marked Osimhen's debut in this season's UEFA Champions League, making the nomination even more significant. Competing for the Goal of the Week accolade alongside accomplished players such as Donyell Malen of PSV Eindhoven, Gelano of Porto, and the aforementioned Lewandowski, Osimhen's performance has undeniably left a lasting impression in the footballing arena. As the anticipation builds, football enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the winner, recognizing the extraordinary feats achieved on the grand stage of the UEFA Champions League [ UEFA ] ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Nigeria's U-17 team, the Flamingos, are scheduled to leave for Bamako, Mali, this Thursday to face Burkina Faso in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifying match on Saturday. The venue for this crucial third-round tie has been shifted from Ouagadougou to Bamako's Stade 26 March due to logistical issues faced by the Burkina Faso Football Federation. The match promises intense action as the Flamingos aim to secure a favorable outcome before hosting the return leg at Abuja's Moshood Abiola Stadium on May 18. In a recent update, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a change in the officiating crew. Teneba Bagayoko from Mali will step in as the fourth official, replacing Joselyn Nsabimana. The team of officials also includes Suavis Iratunga, Fides Bangurambona, and Alida Iradukunda from Burundi. Oumou Souleyman Kane of Mauritania and Aya Irene Ahoua from Cote d'Ivoire will continue their roles as match commissioner and referee assessor, respectively. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 9, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigeria’s U17 girls Nigeria's U-17 team, the Flamingos, are scheduled to leave for Bamako, Mali, this Thursday to face Burkina Faso in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifying match on Saturday. The venue for this crucial third-round tie has been shifted from Ouagadougou to Bamako's Stade 26 March due to logistical issues faced by the Burkina Faso Football Federation. The match promises intense action as the Flamingos aim to secure a favorable outcome before hosting the return leg at Abuja's Moshood Abiola Stadium on May 18. ADVERTISEMENT In a recent update, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a change in the officiating crew. Teneba Bagayoko from Mali will step in as the fourth official, replacing Joselyn Nsabimana. The team of officials also includes Suavis Iratunga, Fides Bangurambona, and Alida Iradukunda from Burundi. Oumou Souleyman Kane of Mauritania and Aya Irene Ahoua from Cote d'Ivoire will continue their roles as match commissioner and referee assessor, respectively. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Britney Spears was arrested in California and released hours later. Court records show she will appear in Ventura County Superior Court on May 4. Pop singer Britney Spears was arrested in California, according to US court documents. The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday night and involved officers from the California Highway Patrol. Authorities detained the singer at around 21:30 PT (05:30 GMT) . She was later released in the early hours of Thursday morning. Spears is expected to appear before the Ventura County Superior Court on May 4 , according to the court documents. The documents do not specify the reason for her arrest. Spears remains one of the most successful pop artists in modern music history. Over the course of her career, she has produced several global hits, including “Toxic,” “Everytime,” “Gimme More,” “Womaniser,” “Stronger,” and “…Baby One More Time.” In January 2024 , Spears stated publicly that she would “ never return to the music industry. ” Her most recent musical release was a duet with Elton John in 2022 . The singer previously spent 13 years under a conservatorship , which ended in 2021. The legal arrangement placed control of her finances and personal decisions under her father’s authority. Spears later detailed her experiences during that period in her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me , where she reflected on her career and the challenges she faced while under the conservatorship. Source : BBC Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Britney Spears Arrested in California, Court Records Show By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 7, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Pop singer Britney Spears was arrested in California, according to US court documents. The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday night and involved officers from the California Highway Patrol. Authorities detained the singer at around 21:30 PT (05:30 GMT) . She was later released in the early hours of Thursday morning. Spears is expected to appear before the Ventura County Superior Court on May 4 , according to the court documents. ADVERTISEMENT The documents do not specify the reason for her arrest. Spears remains one of the most successful pop artists in modern music history. Over the course of her career, she has produced several global hits, including “Toxic,” “Everytime,” “Gimme More,” “Womaniser,” “Stronger,” and “…Baby One More Time.” In January 2024 , Spears stated publicly that she would “ never return to the music industry. ” Her most recent musical release was a duet with Elton John in 2022 . ADVERTISEMENT The singer previously spent 13 years under a conservatorship , which ended in 2021. The legal arrangement placed control of her finances and personal decisions under her father’s authority. Spears later detailed her experiences during that period in her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me , where she reflected on her career and the challenges she faced while under the conservatorship. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source : BBC ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

In a world where strides toward gender equality are increasingly recognized and supported, a concerning minority still harbors misogynistic views that threaten the progress made in empowering women and girls. Despite national surveys revealing overwhelming majorities in favor of gender equality across the globe, from over 90% support in nations like Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, to around 55% in countries such as Kenya, Russia, and South Korea, this minority remains a significant barrier. This group, often viewing women as lesser than men, not only denies women autonomy over their lives and bodies but also seeks to limit their political, social, and economic freedoms. The behavior of such individuals ranges from ridicule and intimidation to outright physical abuse, undermining the fundamental principles of gender equality enshrined in pivotal international documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Misogynists' dismissal of gender equality laws and policies, which form a core part of many regional treaties and national frameworks, poses a challenge to achieving a world where women have equal rights and opportunities. Addressing this issue requires not only legal and policy reforms but also a cultural shift to dismantle deeply ingrained misogynistic attitudes. The fight for gender equality traces its roots back to centuries of women's oppression under male-dominated structures through laws, physical force, and societal norms. Historically, women were largely confined to roles within the household, reliant on fathers and husbands for decisions, and often married off at young ages with limited personal freedom. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 8, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: women attending women's daay Celebration in East Africa In a world where strides toward gender equality are increasingly recognized and supported, a concerning minority still harbors misogynistic views that threaten the progress made in empowering women and girls. Despite national surveys revealing overwhelming majorities in favor of gender equality across the globe, from over 90% support in nations like Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, to around 55% in countries such as Kenya, Russia, and South Korea, this minority remains a significant barrier. This group, often viewing women as lesser than men, not only denies women autonomy over their lives and bodies but also seeks to limit their political, social, and economic freedoms. The behavior of such individuals ranges from ridicule and intimidation to outright physical abuse, undermining the fundamental principles of gender equality enshrined in pivotal international documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ADVERTISEMENT Misogynists' dismissal of gender equality laws and policies, which form a core part of many regional treaties and national frameworks, poses a challenge to achieving a world where women have equal rights and opportunities. Addressing this issue requires not only legal and policy reforms but also a cultural shift to dismantle deeply ingrained misogynistic attitudes. The fight for gender equality traces its roots back to centuries of women's oppression under male-dominated structures through laws, physical force, and societal norms. Historically, women were largely confined to roles within the household, reliant on fathers and husbands for decisions, and often married off at young ages with limited personal freedom. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Compare Machame, Lemosho, Marangu and Rongai by duration, acclimatisation, scenery, crowds and accommodation before climbing Kilimanjaro. The best Kilimanjaro route is not automatically the shortest, cheapest or quietest. It is the itinerary that gives you enough time to acclimatise, matches your preferred shelter and terrain, and is run by a responsible operator. XTRAfrica’s guide to Africa’s major mountain ranges explains where Kilimanjaro fits within the continent’s wider trekking landscape. This comparison focuses on Machame, Lemosho, Marangu and Rongai the four names most first-time climbers encounter. None requires technical mountaineering in ordinary trail conditions, but all reach extreme altitude. Fitness helps with long walking days; it does not make a climber immune to altitude illness. Which Kilimanjaro route should you choose? Lemosho over eight days is the strongest all-round choice for travellers with time and budget. Seven-day Machame balances scenery and value. Choose six-day Marangu mainly for huts, or seven-day Rongai for a quieter northern approach. Avoid choosing any route only because its shortest schedule costs less. Kilimanjaro Route Comparison at a Glance UNESCO records Kilimanjaro as Africa’s highest point at 5,895 metres and a World Heritage Site with five main vegetation zones. Every route ultimately targets Uhuru Peak on Kibo, but each approaches the mountain differently. Your route changes the first days, sleeping arrangements, traffic and acclimatisation profile not the summit’s altitude. These are practical schedules, not official guarantees. Operators sell shorter and longer versions, and camp use can change. Ask for the exact day-by-day route, nightly sleeping elevations, contingency procedure and crew policy before paying. For a broader trip around the country, see XTRAfrica’s overview of Tanzania’s leading tourist destinations . Machame: The Classic Seven-Day Balance Machame starts on the mountain’s southwestern side and passes through forest before rising into heath, moorland and high alpine terrain. It is a camping route. A common seven-day plan includes an acclimatisation-focused visit toward Lava Tower before sleeping lower at Barranco, followed by the Barranco Wall and the southern traverse toward the summit base. Its strongest advantage is balance. Machame provides changing scenery and a useful “climb high, sleep lower” day without requiring the longer western entry used by Lemosho. It is also widely offered, making departures and group options easier to find. The compromise is traffic. Machame is popular, and it later shares trail and camps with climbers arriving from Lemosho and other approaches. The six-day version also compresses recovery and acclimatisation. For most first-time high-altitude trekkers, the seven-day version is the more defensible choice. Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE Kilimanjaro Routes Compared: Machame, Lemosho, Marangu and Rongai By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Aug 16, 2026 Aug 16, 2026 14 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The best Kilimanjaro route is not automatically the shortest, cheapest or quietest. It is the itinerary that gives you enough time to acclimatise, matches your preferred shelter and terrain, and is run by a responsible operator. XTRAfrica’s guide to Africa’s major mountain ranges explains where Kilimanjaro fits within the continent’s wider trekking landscape. A photographic map showing Kilimanjaro’s climbing routes, trailheads, camps and mountain huts. The route names remain recognisable, although the supporting labels are in French. Map: Sémhur/Wikimedia Commons.CC BY-SA 4.0 This comparison focuses on Machame, Lemosho, Marangu and Rongai the four names most first-time climbers encounter. None requires technical mountaineering in ordinary trail conditions, but all reach extreme altitude. Fitness helps with long walking days; it does not make a climber immune to altitude illness. Which Kilimanjaro route should you choose? Lemosho over eight days is the strongest all-round choice for travellers with time and budget. Seven-day Machame balances scenery and value. Choose six-day Marangu mainly for huts, or seven-day Rongai for a quieter northern approach. Avoid choosing any route only because its shortest schedule costs less. Kilimanjaro Route Comparison at a Glance UNESCO records Kilimanjaro as Africa’s highest point at 5,895 metres and a World Heritage Site with five main vegetation zones. Every route ultimately targets Uhuru Peak on Kibo, but each approaches the mountain differently. Your route changes the first days, sleeping arrangements, traffic and acclimatisation profile not the summit’s altitude. Route First-time plan Route character Best for Machame 7 days · Camping Southwest; scenic; busy after routes merge Classic scenery and mid-range cost Lemosho 8 days · Camping Western start; quieter early; joins southern circuit More acclimatisation time and variety Marangu 6 days · Huts Southeast; same corridor up and down Travellers who prefer huts Rongai 7 days · Camping Northern approach; usually quieter on ascent Fewer groups and a different perspective These are practical schedules, not official guarantees. Operators sell shorter and longer versions, and camp use can change. Ask for the exact day-by-day route, nightly sleeping elevations, contingency procedure and crew policy before paying. For a broader trip around the country, see XTRAfrica’s overview of Tanzania’s leading tourist destinations . Machame: The Classic Seven-Day Balance Machame starts on the mountain’s southwestern side and passes through forest before rising into heath, moorland and high alpine terrain. It is a camping route. A common seven-day plan includes an acclimatisation-focused visit toward Lava Tower before sleeping lower at Barranco, followed by the Barranco Wall and the southern traverse toward the summit base. Machame Gate marks the southwestern entrance to Kilimanjaro’s popular Machame Route, where climbers register before beginning the ascent through montane forest. Photo: BerotBurns/Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0 Its strongest advantage is balance. Machame provides changing scenery and a useful “climb high, sleep lower” day without requiring the longer western entry used by Lemosho. It is also widely offered, making departures and group options easier to find. The compromise is traffic. Machame is popular, and it later shares trail and camps with climbers arriving from Lemosho and other approaches. The six-day version also compresses recovery and acclimatisation. For most first-time high-altitude trekkers, the seven-day version is the more defensible choice. Choose Machame if: you camp comfortably, have seven mountain days and want a scenic, established route. Think again if: crowds seriously reduce your enjoyment or you are considering the six-day schedule only to save money. ADVERTISEMENT Lemosho: The Best All-Round Route for Time-Rich Climbers Lemosho begins on the western side, commonly through the Londorossi area, and reaches the Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit used by Machame. Its longer approach spreads the journey across more days and gives trekkers extra time on the mountain before summit night. The open Shira moorlands form one of the most distinctive landscapes encountered as the Lemosho Route crosses Kilimanjaro’s western plateau. Photo: Skeptic_cdn/Wikimedia Commons. The early section is the route’s main distinction: western forest and open plateau walking before the busier convergence. Once Lemosho merges with the southern routes, however, it no longer offers solitude. Barranco, Karanga and the summit staging area can still feel busy during popular periods. An eight-day itinerary is usually the clearest choice for a first Kilimanjaro attempt. Seven-day versions exist, but the point of paying for Lemosho is weakened if the schedule is compressed. More time raises the package price through additional park, crew, food and camping days, yet that extra day is part of the route’s value rather than wasted time. Choose Lemosho if: acclimatisation time, scenery and a varied western approach matter more than obtaining the lowest quote. Think again if: eight days of camping exceeds your time or budget; seven-day Machame may provide a better fit. Marangu: Choose It for Huts, Not Because It Looks Easy Marangu approaches from the southeast and is the only one of these four routes built around shared mountain huts rather than tents. That matters in wet conditions and to travellers who strongly dislike camping. It also uses broadly the same corridor for ascent and descent, producing less route variety and more two-way foot traffic. Dense montane forest surrounds the lower Marangu Route The cottages and communal buildings at Horombo Huts The trail’s reputation as the “easy” option is misleading. A smoother path does not reduce the altitude of Uhuru Peak, and the shortest five-day itinerary allows little time for adjustment. A six-day Marangu schedule normally inserts an acclimatisation day and is the more responsible choice for a first attempt. Huts are not hotels. Expect simple shared sleeping spaces and communal facilities, with comfort varying by location and maintenance. Ask the operator what bedding you must bring, how drinking water is treated, how rooms are assigned and what happens when huts are full. Choose Marangu if: sleeping in huts is a deciding factor and you can book at least six days. Think again if: you are being sold a five-day “budget summit” or expect privacy and lodge-style comfort. Rongai: A Quieter Northern Approach Rongai approaches from the north, near the Kenyan side of the mountain, and generally receives fewer climbers than Machame. Its landscapes are often described as drier and more open, but the mountain makes its own weather: rain, wind and cold remain possible in every month. Most Rongai itineraries descend by the Marangu side rather than returning along the ascent trail. The rugged Mawenzi massif Mawenzi rises beyond Kibo Hut on Kilimanjaro’s eastern side ADVERTISEMENT The approach can feel more gradual and less congested, while the drive to the northern trailhead adds road time and logistics from Moshi or Arusha. Rongai does not automatically have a better acclimatisation profile simply because it feels gentler. The itinerary still needs enough nights and a sensible elevation plan. A seven-day schedule is preferable to a rushed six-day programme. Climbers choosing Rongai should ask whether the itinerary includes a purposeful acclimatisation excursion and how the operator manages the final ascent. Choose Rongai if: you want a quieter ascent, accept camping and prefer a different perspective on the mountain. Think again if: your operator is using “less crowded” to distract from a short schedule or weak safety plan. Acclimatisation Matters More Than Marketing Percentages Commercial route pages publish dramatically different “summit success” figures, often without stating the sample size, definition, client profile or whether the number belongs to that operator alone. Those percentages are not a reliable basis for comparing routes. Ask an operator for its own documented results by route and duration, but treat even those as company data rather than a mountain-wide statistic. Lava Tower stands in Kilimanjaro’s alpine zone and is commonly used as a high point during acclimatisation walks on Machame and Lemosho itineraries. Photo: Stig Nygaard/Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 2.0 The stronger evidence concerns ascent rate. The CDC Yellow Book’s high-altitude guidance says gradual ascent is crucial and notes that physical fitness does not determine susceptibility. It advises travellers never to ascend to a higher sleeping altitude while experiencing altitude-illness symptoms and to descend if symptoms worsen despite rest or treatment. That is why eight-day Lemosho, seven-day Machame, six-day Marangu and seven-day Rongai are better comparison points than each route’s shortest commercial version. No itinerary guarantees a summit. Discuss your health and any preventive medication with a qualified clinician before travel, and follow the lead guide’s decisions on the mountain. Cost, Operator Choice and Porter Welfare Route price rises with mountain days, park charges, crew size, food, shelter and transfers. Marangu may quote lower because it can be sold in fewer days; Lemosho commonly costs more because of its longer schedule and western logistics. Compare like with like: route, number of days, group size, included hotel nights, equipment, taxes, tips and evacuation cover. A mountain porter working on Kilimanjaro Climbers negotiate the Barranco Wall on Kilimanjaro’s Tanzania National Parks maintains an official tariffs page , but the schedule displayed when this article was checked was labelled financial year 2023/2024 and “valid until June 2024.” Do not use that archived table as a 2026 quote. Ask the operator to itemise current park charges and verify unclear fees directly with TANAPA before payment. Low prices can also conceal poor crew conditions. The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project’s responsible-trekking programme monitors participating companies for pay, meals, shelter, load limits and transparent tipping. Ask whether the company is currently monitored, then verify it on the programme’s partner list rather than accepting a logo in an advertisement. Before booking, request: the operator’s Tanzanian licence and emergency contact; the exact route, camps and sleeping elevations; guide qualifications, guide-to-client ratio and daily health checks; oxygen, pulse-oximeter and evacuation protocols; porter load, meals, shelter, pay and tipping policy; insurance requirements and exclusions for trekking to 5,895 metres; cancellation terms when weather, illness or park restrictions change the plan. When to Climb and Where to Base Yourself January to February and roughly June to October are commonly favoured for relatively drier trekking conditions, but no month guarantees a clear or dry summit. Conditions change sharply with elevation, and summit night can be severely cold even when Moshi is warm. Check the Tanzania Meteorological Authority close to departure and use your operator’s mountain briefing for immediate conditions. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Travel and Immigration Barrick Confirms Tanzania’s 15-Year North Mara Mining Licence Renewal . Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari . African Culture Tanzania Visa and Entry Requirements: What Travellers Need . ADVERTISEMENT Moshi is the most direct base for Kilimanjaro logistics; Arusha works well when the climb is combined with the northern safari circuit. A Mount Meru trek in Arusha National Park can provide high-altitude exposure, but it is a serious climb in its own right, not a casual warm-up. Recovery days should be built in before flights or safari driving. If the mountain forms part of a longer holiday, do not lock safari timing to a supposed summit guarantee. XTRAfrica’s guide to the best time to see animals in Tanzania provides a starting point for the wildlife portion, while current park and weather conditions still need checking. Final Decision: Which Kilimanjaro Route Wins? For most first-time climbers, eight-day Lemosho is the strongest overall choice because it buys time and offers a varied western approach. Seven-day Machame is the practical alternative when cost or schedule is tighter. Six-day Marangu wins only when huts materially improve your trip. Seven-day Rongai suits travellers who value a quieter northern ascent. The route name is only half the decision. A longer itinerary with a competent, ethical operator is more valuable than a fashionable route sold on a compressed schedule. Choose the plan whose pace, crew standards and safety procedures remain convincing after the marketing language is removed. FAQs Is Machame or Lemosho better for beginners? Lemosho over eight days is usually the better all-round option because it provides a longer approach. Seven-day Machame is a strong alternative for fit walkers with less time or money. Neither route is technically easy at 5,895 metres. Is Marangu really the easiest Kilimanjaro route? No route makes extreme altitude easy. Marangu has a comparatively straightforward trail and hut accommodation, but its commonly sold five-day schedule is fast. Choose at least six days and judge the acclimatisation plan, not the nickname. Which Kilimanjaro route is least crowded? Rongai is generally quieter than Machame on ascent. Lemosho can feel quiet during its western opening but joins the busy southern circuit later. Crowd levels vary by month, departures and camp management. Do you need climbing experience for Kilimanjaro? These standard routes are trekking routes in normal conditions, so technical climbing experience is not normally required. You still need endurance, suitable equipment, preparation for cold and a serious altitude-safety plan. Can an operator guarantee that I will reach Uhuru Peak? No. Weather, altitude response, health and park or guide decisions can end an attempt. Treat guaranteed summits and unexplained success percentages as warning signs. How far ahead should you book? Book once you have compared licensed operators, insurance and flight terms. Popular dry-season departures require more lead time, but never rush operator checks merely to secure a date. Sources and Further Reading UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania National Parks — Guidelines and Procedures Tanzania National Parks — Park Tariffs CDC Yellow Book — High-Altitude Travel and Altitude Illness Tanzania Meteorological Authority Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project — Responsible Mountain Trekking ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Travel and Immigration Barrick Confirms Tanzania’s 15-Year North Mara Mining Licence Renewal The renewal supports long-term planning, but no new investment or hiring target has been announced. . Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route Stone Town occupies the western side of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go Plan Mafia Island by coast and season, with diving, whale sharks, transport, fees and places to stay. . 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